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2023 Sony Open in Hawaii
US PGA Tour
Waialae Country Club
Honolulu, Hawaii
12–15 January 2023
Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama returns for the
2023 Sony Open in Hawaii as he looks to become the first golfer to win back-to-back titles since Jimmy Walker in 2014 and 2015.
The 30-year-old is making his 10th appearance at the tournament in Honolulu and beat Russell Henley in a playoff last year to register his eighth win on the PGA Tour.
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Trailing by five shots with just nine holes left to play, Matsuyama carded 63 in the final round to battle it out with Henley, winning courtesy of an eagle putt on the first playoff hole.
That success tied him with K.J. Choi for the most PGA Tour victories an Asian-born player - his first since claiming victory at the Zozo Championship in October 2021.
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Choi remembers the first time he saw the Japanese play, saying: "He had a special golfing skill and was different from others. He had techniques which was unique.
"It is important he doesn't get injured. That's the top thing. If he keeps his condition, he definitely can win more events. I always think athletes are here to break records. I'm happy Hideki achieved what I have fulfilled."
Matsuyama is one of 19 golfers in the field to also have played at the Sentry Tournament of Champions last week and he finished tied for 21st at 16-under par.
Last five Sony Open in Hawaii winners
2022 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN)
2021 - Kevin Na (USA)
2020 - Cameron Smith (AUS)
2019 - Matt Kuchar (USA)
2018 - Patton Kizzire (USA)
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